Baby Powder and Ovarian Cancer

We tend to think of Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower products as common and safe household items. Maybe because that’s what we’ve seen on TV commercials forever! These products are used to prevent dryness and rashes in a variety of applications. However, these common household products contain a dangerous substance known as “Talc” or “Talcum Powder” which have been shown to be associated with the development of ovarian cancer when used regularly near a woman’s pelvic region.

After analyzing a number of studies, including some which reported as high as a 30% increase in the risk of developing ovarian cancer for women exposed to talcum powder on a regular basis, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified the perineal (genital) use of talcum-based powders as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”.

Johnson & Johnson was recently ordered to pay $72,000,000.00 to the family of a woman who died from ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower products.

During the trial, the jury was shown internal company documents which demonstrated that Johnson & Johnson knew about the risk of ovarian cancer since the 1980’s but hid this important information from the public and regulatory agencies. After hearing this evidence, the jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $10 million in compensatory damages to the family but, because of the egregious nature of Johnson & Johnson’s conduct, the jury also awarded $62 million in punitive damages to punish Johnson & Johnson and deter it and other manufacturers of powders from similar conduct in the future.

If you or a family member has developed ovarian cancer after prolonged use of the talcum-based body powders, such as Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder or Shower to Shower products, you may have a legal claim for damages.

Contact us today to speak to one of our attorneys about this issue. We can be reached by the chat window or email or telephone.